Global leader in sustainability Ambitions for 2005 17 Rabobank Group Annual Report 2004 Strategy Embedding sustainability Apart from being the uncontested number 1 in food &agri, Rabobank also wishes to be seen worldwide as a leader in sustainable entrepre neurship. This ambition perfectly complements the bank's identity and social positioning. Rabobank plans to further integrate its corporate social responsibility (CSR) policy in its day-to-day activities in order to achieve that goal. This includes: implementing relevant CSR criteria in regular loan granting processes and other services; consolidating and, where possible, extending its market share in sustainable financial products, such as green funds and green bonds, and participating in the trade in C02 and NOx emission rights; improving sustainable operations; stimulating the possibility for social engagement by Rabobank staff. Rabobank Development Program In addition, the Rabobank Development Program (RDP) was set up in 2004 to help foreign loan cooperatives in a limited number of develo ping countries to grow into fully-fledged cooperative banks. This invol vement is being embodied in financial participation in and hands-on support to the institutions concerned, using Rabobank's unique expe rience in this field. This is done from the firm belief that cooperatives can make an important contribution towards the economic develop ment of the countries concerned and to the financial emancipation of their inhabitants. In 2005 the local Rabobanks will continue to merge at a rapid pace, in line with the 'Rabobank Vision 2005+' policy statement. Further upscaling and enhancement of the professionalism and expertise of the local banks should lead, among other things, to a stronger position in the upper segment of the private individuals and corporate markets. In 2005, the support provided by Rabobank Nederland to the local banks will be further adapted to meet the changing needs that this upscaling will entail. For that purpose, Operation Service was launched in the year under review. This operation is set to result in streamlined support activities, involving a reduction of 1,200 job positions. In addition, a study will be conducted together with Eureko/Achmea into how the ambitions for growth in insurance can be defined further. Internationally, sizeable investments will be made in the growth of services provided to food agri clients. Furthermore, interesting candidates for acquisition will be actively sought in emerging countries with a high food agri potential. The Rabobank Development Program is expected to make its first investment in cooperative loan institutions in developing countries. This will put into practice Rabobank's belief that it can make an important contribution to the economic development of these countries. The RDP will work closely with the Rabobank Foundation, which has been supporting numerous projects in developing countries for over 30 years, aimed at making the local population economically independent.

Rabobank Bronnenarchief

Annual Reports Rabobank | 2004 | | pagina 17